2025: Mixed emotions amidst historic sporting year
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday December 22, 2025 06:00
Athletics: The men’s 4x400m relay team went into the history books as they clinched the title at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Lee Bhekempilo Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Busang Collen Kebinatshipi combined to edge the USA to gold and become the first African nation to win the relay. A public holiday was declared to recognise the achievements of the team. Kebinatshipi was the biggest upset at the World Championships, clocking 43.53s, setting a new National Record (NR) and world lead to claim the men’s 400m title. Whilst the athletes might be doing well on the track, the leadership went through hardships that included surviving a motion of no confidence on two occasions. Athletics also saw an escalation of doping cases, with one coach being suspended.
Tennis: Ntungamili Raguin had an impressive run this year, securing his third consecutive title on the prestigious International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour Junior circuit, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the world of tennis.
BNOC: New leadership was ushered in to lead the Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) for the next four years. Tshepo Sitale was voted in as president in one of the hotly contested elections, emerging victorious over Yarona Sharp and Ookeditse Malesu.
BNSC: Olebile Sikwane was announced as the new CEO of the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC). He was replacing Tuelo Serufho, whose contract came to an end in May.
Paralympics: The Paralympics team wrapped the year in style, with Bose Mokgwathi winning a bronze medal at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, India. Mokgwathi clinched the medal by posting a new Personal Best (PB) of 49.66 in the men's T13 400m.
Chess: The sporting code also voted in leadership led by Kutlwano Tatolo. One of the chess highlights was Nalamalpu Eesha Reddy earning the Woman Candidate Master (WCM) title.
Netball: The sporting code went through a rough patch due to sponsorship challenges. However, they managed to send two teams to the Africa Netball Cup in Malawi.
Karate: The sport fell on trying times, with some styles being kicked out of the federation. The disgruntled members approached the courts for mediation.